My Netroots
There have been many diaries about Netroots, but each reflects an individual’s experience. I look forward so much to these events, having attended all but the one in Phoenix. Our room was on the 16th floor so we had a grand view of the river. Barges were being pushed in both directions and the traffic was dense. From our window it appeared the economy was booming.
We went out the first evening to Tujague’s, New Orleans’s second oldest restaurant.
belinda ridgewood, Mrs. side pocket, 714day, side pocket, peregrine kate.
Belinda posted that photo last week, but I wanted to reenforce the photo of the best oysters I had in New Orleans. White tablecloth, all fancy and stuff.
The weather was uniformly warm and extremely humid. We took a bayou walk led by a ranger and learned a lot about the ecological history of the area. Spanish moss hung from every tree. We saw a total of three alligators, two small and one large.
We were with Kate and Doctor Lori. The ranger told us of a neighborhood restaurant called Jake's Seafood & Restaurant. Kate somehow found it in a modest neighborhood. All the men were “good old boys” and their wives all looked like The Church Lady with tight hairdos and stern expressions. I ordered a Bud to fit in. Also, too, all they had was Bud. The food was excellent and I had the best gumbo I had all week.
Lots of socializing during the week. There was never a meal where you couldn’t gather with some friends, and meet new friends. Many panels were excellent, though we were late for some, because we slept late. The keynotes were inspiring as well. All ages were well represented but younger folks were there in force, and the level of enthusiasm, from my viewpoint, was very high.
We took a bus tour of the city led by a cool young guy who was hilarious. We also toured the Aquarium which was walking distance from the hotel. If you think you have bad potholes in your city, New Orleans has you beat.
Now, about the pizza at the top of this diary. I, like nearly everyone, have eaten many pizzas in my day. The quality has varied considerably. At many of the political events and fundraisers I attend someone will provide pizza from a chain and they have been uniformly bad. When I see some pizza place extolled in a review I will try their wares but so many have been disappointing; seemingly trying too hard to stand out. OTOH I buy Poppa Murphy pizzas which one bakes at home and I have been pleased nearly every time. Since they are locally franchised there is variety in the ingredients but all but one I have tried has been good.
So what have been your pizza experiences? Is your neighborhood pizza place the best anywhere? Or the worst? What is your favorite? I require anchovies on every pizza; do you? Have you ever gotten “burned out” on pizza, or is that impossible? Thin or thick crust? What if someone put cilantro on your pizza? Or pineapple? YMMV on pizza…...what is your favorite?
And as always this is an open thread.